Jeremy Stephens

“Our days are few (cf. Job 14:1), and consequently our labor cannot be overlong. By means of a little patience, we will get through it with honor and contentment, for we have no greater consolation at the end of the day than to have worked hard and shouldered its pains.”
― Francis de Sales, Roses Among Thorns: Simple Advice for Renewing Your Spiritual Journey

“Lord Jesus, I believe that through your cross you drew all people to yourself. Help me to forgive, rather than condemn; to love, rather than criticize; to care beyond what I think is expected of me. In this way, I will grow in my love for you and for my neighbor.”
― Leo Zanchettin, Matthew: A Devotional Commentary

“Catholicism is not merely a religion, or a sect, or a set of rules. When small minds and smaller spirits try to capture the essence of Catholicism, this is often what they tend to conclude. But Catholicism is more than a religion. It is more than just another movement. The essence of Catholicism is not sin, punishment, duty, or obligation, and it is more than a set of lifeless rules and regulations. Catholicism is more. It is more than most people think and more than most Catholics ever experience…The essence of Catholicism is dynamic transformation. You cannot become more like Jesus Christ and at the same time stay as you are.”
― Matthew Kelly

“As iron sharpens iron, we need confrontation and truth from others to grow. No one likes to hear negative things about him or herself. But in the long run it may be good for us. The Bible says that if we are wise, we will learn from it. Admonition from a friend, while it can hurt, can also help.”
― Henry Cloud, Boundaries: When To Say Yes, How to Say No